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During the winter months the blood stock level in the Western Cape tends to decline. This is mostly due to the lasting effects of colds and flu. The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is therefore appealing to all healthy new and existing blood donors not to get cold feet this winter - rather come and donate blood during the winter months.

Ramadan takes place this year from 5 May to 4 June. Muslims able to give blood are being called to donate before Ramadan begins. Blood donation takes up 30 minutes – only 475ml of blood is taken, and this is replaced within 24 hours.

“Islamic law allows Muslims to take part in blood and organ donation if it will save another person’s life – donating blood once, can save up to three lives as each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets,” says Aishah Salie, Promotions Supervisor at the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS).

Election day is around the corner and political parties are furiously campaigning for one more vote at the poles. A new political candidate has entered the hotly contested race. Representing the Western Cape Blood Service, Blood Buddy isn’t interested in your vote – he wants your blood!

Easter and Ramadan are set to take place over April and May, with both religious seasons focusing on the importance of reflection and charity. This is the ideal time to give back to those in need. The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has launched a blood donation campaign, which highlights the impact that a single donation can have on another person’s life.

The collection of blood from blood donors, and provision of blood products to patients in hospitals has been the responsibility of the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service for the past 80 years. First called the Cape Peninsula Blood Transfusion Service, the organisation grew to service the whole Western Province, changing its name to reflect that in 1949. Now, they are changing their name to Western Cape Blood Service, WCBS, for short.

Pay it forward in 2019 by making regular blood donations. Committing to four donations during the year could save up to 12 lives - every unit of whole blood is separated into three lifesaving parts; red cell, platelets and plasma. If giving back in 2019 features top on your New Year's resolution list, then donating blood is a good start.

For the second year in a row, Spine Road High from Mitchell’s Plain has ranked first on the Western Province Blood Transfusion Services’ (WPBTS) list of top donor schools for 2018. Learners and staff collectively donated 537 units of blood, increasing their contribution by 99 units from last year. The school also enrolled the highest number of new donors, with 236 signing up this year.

Blood stock levels in the Western Cape decline during the festive season – just as the number of road accidents spike. For the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS), maintaining a five-day blood stock level through December is critical, it ensures that hospitals have sufficient safe blood to treat everyone.

With effect from 3 December, the Long Street Donor Centre in Cape Town will be situated at 9 Long Street. The new Donor Centre will be easily recognisable with wooden boards around the windows and will be situated two shops from Dunkin Donuts.

For the move to be completed, 22 Long Street will be closed on Friday, 30 November 2018. Once reopened, the new venue will operate the same times as previously.

Should you have any queries with regards to the move, please contact Michelle Vermeulen on 021 507 6300.